Softbank: The Hawks stopped a two-game losing streak with their ninth shutout victory of the season. They are 4-0-1 over their last five against the Buffaloes and 3-0 over their last three at Kyocera Dome. ... Otonari has not lost a game since May 28, 2013. He is 2-0 in two starts against the Buffaloes this year. This was the sixth shutout of his career, first since July 15, 2012. ... Matsuda reached base in his twenty-second straight game.

Orix: The Buffaloes dropped their second game in a row. This was their thirteenth shutout loss of the year (second in as many games). Their three-game winning streak at Kyocera Dome came to an end. ... Nishi dropped his fourth straight start and has not won a game since August 1. He is 2-3 in six starts against Softbank this season.